Posts by tag: Rothmans

The 1980s were a very exciting time in the motorcycling world, especially for fans of Japanese bikes, and a huge variety of machines were available in a dizzying array of configurations: two-strokes and four-strokes, singles, twins, triples, fours, and even six-cylinder engines. And it wasn't just engines that saw the application of innovative new technologies: anti-dive forks, electronic ignitions, and radial tires all became common on sporting machines for the first time. Of course, race-replicas were very popular as always, and into the mix came the Honda NS400R that combined all of those elements into a potent little package.

At the center of this unusual machine was a liquid-cooled, 90° V3 meant to ape Honda's GP machine of the period. Although with the two flanking cylinders canted forward and the middle one pointing up, it was actually the reverse of the racing machine's configuration that had the single cylinder pointed towards the front. As you'd expect, the two-stroke had Honda's ATAC powervalve to give the bike some additional midrange grunt and the 387cc engine put out a claimed 72hp through a six-speed transmission to the rear wheel. Overall, the package was very refined, with a claimed weight of just 360lbs. Handling was a definite strong point, helped by TRAC anti-dive forks up front and a Pro-Link rear, with modular Comstar wheels and radial tires at both ends.

Also, because I'm into weird details, I have to point out the tiny triangle of fairing that folds out when the sidestand is extended. Does it serve any practical purpose? Of course not. Did it cost real money to develop and manufacture? For sure it did. But that's the kind of detail that defines bikes of this period.

So why a 400cc machine, when Suzuki and Yamaha were producing race-replicas closer to the actual racing displacement of 500cc? Well bikes intended for the Japanese market were limited in terms of power and displacement throughout the period, and Honda likely wanted to make sure a single version of the bike could easily be sold in all markets. Unfortunately at the time, a perceived power and performance deficit compared to the RG500 and RZ500 likely hurt sales, but I think that's far less of an issue now: none of these bikes are especially fast by today's standards and the handling of the NS400R is famously good.

NS400R a road going replica of the GP motorcycle. 2 stroke with a V3 engine.

The bike is imported from Japan. Not registered yet in the US. This bike is sold without title. (NO TITLE) Sold as is with NO warranty NO refunds NO return.

Start engine! Runs OK, new battery.

This bike is original, with 25,488 km (15,837 miles) This motorcycle is 31 years old. Some scratches so look carefully all pictures and video. Sold as is.

Buyer responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping to your location. (Bike in Carson now.) If anyone wants to come see the motorcycle, please contact me.

These flew under the radar for a long time, compared to the 500cc Suzuki and Yamaha, but prices are on the rise now. This recently-imported example looks shiny, and the seller claims it is original. A few scrapes and scratches mar the bike, and the lower right-side pipe does have some damage, although maybe that'll buff out? There are no takers yet at the $5,800 starting bid with a couple days left on the auction. As always, the lack of a US title may be discouraging bidders, as that can be difficult to navigate, and many would rather not deal with the headache.

The gearhead culture in Southern California never ceases to amaze me. Sure, all kinds of weird and wonderful cars and bikes and the folks that love them can be found all over the country, and all over the world. But the intensity of it here is something else: you almost get blasé about it, since any weekend drive in the Los Angeles area will expose you to a veritable parade of exotic cars, vintage bikes, rat-rods, and all manner of weird, is-that-even-legal-here machinery. Oh look, was that Jay Leno driving a pre-war, aero-engined race car? Yes, yes it was... The irony is that the CA DMV is among the most draconian in the country, largely a result of a famously bad smog problem caused by vehicle emissions during the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. Which is why something like this Honda NSR250R SP Rothmans Replica with a clean California title is something of a unicorn!

The NSR250R was the definitive quarter-liter sportbike of the period, and featured Honda's 90° liquid-cooled 249cc v-twin with a six-speed cassette gearbox that allowed gearsets to be quickly and easily swapped to suit different race tracks. Fuel was delivered via carburetors, but the ignition system was Honda's sophisticated PGM-III that controlled the bike's ignition based on throttle-position, revs, and gear selection. Note that the seller refers to this as an "SE" but the fairing proclaims it an "SP." I'm assuming it's the former, and the SP is there to match the Rothmans livery. The SE generally didn't come with the Magtek wheels, but this one has them, bringing it up to SP spec, since both the SE and SP had the dry clutch, versus the regular NSR250R's wet clutch.

I have seen a few late 80s and early 90s grey market two-strokes running around the Malibu canyons on the weekend, but still an MC21 done up in Rothmans livery is something to celebrate, especially in such sharp condition. From the description, it looks like the bike has undergone a cosmetic restoration, and looking at some of the photos, that restoration appears to have been more than just skin-deep. Appropriate maintenance has been taken care of for the new owner as well, and the bike appears to be ready to roll.

This is a beautifully restored 1993 Honda NSR250 SE Rothmans Replica MC21. This bike has the factory dry-clutch and adjustable suspension along with the Magtek wheels. This low 4490 mile (7226 Klm's) NSR has just undergone a cosmetic restoration, as in: new bodywork, new wave-rotors, brake pads.

Also, freshly powder-coated Magtek wheels, with new Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa tires. All hardware has been re-zinc or re-chromed. Other items refinished include, the mufflers, fork bottoms, top triple clamp, etc..

Forks rebuilt with new oil and seals. All other fluids changed or flushed. Recent tune-up with new plugs, air-cleaner. De-restricted ECU. (Full power). Small scratch and chip on gas tank, (no dents). Comes with clean transferable (in your name) California title and street registered. (lic. plate off now for photos) Can help with shipping, but up to buyer to make all arrangements.

There's plenty of time left on the listing, but all my two-stroke LA peeps should pounce on this before it gets away! $11,500 seems a very fair price, considering the California title and the exceptional cosmetic and mechanical condition: many of the two strokes that populate the US eBay listings these days are recent arrivals from Japan where they've been affordable, thrashable, and often left out in the salty sea air for years, so surface corrosion and wear-and-tear are common, even on low-mileage examples. Obviously, the turn signals and tail light lenses seen here aren't actually the original bits, but those shouldn't be too hard to source if you're after something completely stock. Whatever shenanigans are normally required to register an NSR in California should be largely mitigated here, and this bike should quickly be ready to draw stares and thrash canyons for the new owner!

All of the quarter-liter two-stroke sport bikes of the late 80s and early 90s are pretty desirable, but Honda's v-twin NSR250R is both one of the best-known and most popular. Power was a modest 45hp, but the NSR could be de-restricted for additional power safely, if not always easily, since that factory output was mandated by government decree and not because of any sort of mechanical limitations. This earlier MC18 version of the bike lacks the later MC21's cool asymmetric "gull arm" swing arm and the MC28's heavy, but very trick-looking single-sided unit, but I really like the slightly chunkier lines and that solid-looking aluminum box-section swingarm. It could also be that MC18s are a bit more affordable than those later bikes, and much easier to import and register than a late-model MC28...

We've featured bikes from this seller in the past, and they appear to be one of the companies that's recently begun importing these little sportbikes on a regular basis, turning them from "rare sportbikes" into "uncommon sportbikes." But even though these two-stroke sportbikes aren't quite the unicorns they once were here in the USA, the NSR250 has a bit of cachet the TZR and RGV seem to lack, and that Rothmans design makes this one of the best-looking race replicas of all time.

Up for sale is 1988 HONDA NSR250SP MC18 rare 2-stroke sports! The bike is just imported from Japan. Not registered yet in the U.S. Very good running condition sharp response of 2-stroke engine is still well. Can shift all gears very smooth. Brakes are work fine. Electricals are all work but front brake switch is not working. Has an original key. According to frame# this bike is SP version.

Speedometer looks HONDA genuine parts and shows 24600km = about 15400miles, but actual mileage is unknown. Will needs new tires and fork seals. Has HONDA genuine fairings and MAGTECK wheel. But has hairline cracks and chips and scratches and under fairings are looks repaired by FRP and repainted. Have hairline cracks and chips on fairings, so look carefully all pictures and video. Used motorcycle with scratches and wear as 28 ages.

And then, feel free email me for more info on this bike!

More pictures are available for your viewing pleasure here. The seller also includes a video of the bike being started here. It's not in flawless condition, with some wear and a couple deep scratches on the fairings, so this one might be more of a rider than a display bike. Bidding is up just north of $3,000 with a few days left on the auction and active bidding so far.

If you're in the market for a high-performance, quarter-liter two-stroke, then this is the one to have. As cool to look at as it is to ride, Honda's NSR250R is a two-stroke race replica splashed with one of the most evocative paint-and-graphics combinations of the modern era, made ever so sexy by the dangerous, forbidden-fruit taint of a tobacco sponsorship.

The NSR250 followed the same formula as everyone else in the class, with a nearly square, liquid-cooled two-stroke v-twin that displaced 249cc's and put power through a six-speed gearbox. In this case, the box was a "cassette-style" arrangement that would theoretically allow racers to change ratios quickly at the track. Which sounds pretty cool, but is largely useless for road riders, unless you don't believe in using your clutch and need to rebuild your transmission regularly...

With a dry weight of under 300lbs and 45-60hp depending on tune, these are fast, nimble motorcycles that stress handling over straight-line power. They look and handle like big, four-stroke sportbikes, but are very compact in person, and feature a host of weight-saving and weight-centralizing tricks to maximize performance. According to two-stroke fanatics, every serious motorcyclist should try one.

Just imported through U.S. Customs, this 1988 NSR 250 SP R4J comes with a clean and clear street legal title ready to be transferred into your name in your state. A great page for some overview history on the NSR250 is www(dot)nsr-world(dot)com/history/ . The SP model is a Honda factory built street legal Sport Production version of the desirable NSR250 model and comes in Rothmans paint trim and factory upgrade Magtek magnesium wheels. This bike is showing 10,620 original miles (17,091 kilometers) on the odometer so it is a clean, lower mileage bike that presents well. The fairing bodywork is original with original paint and the seat is in good condition. The pictures show 2 scratches on the lower right belly pan and 3 scratches on the left muffler. This is a 25 year old motorcycle with 11,000 miles so it isn't perfect; you have to expect paint wear and the normal scratches and chips and cracks on the bar ends and levers and fairing mount points. The windshield needs polishing to be perfect too. The tires have good tread, gauges are clear and bright, factory turn signals are straight and the exhaust tips are in good condition too. All in all a good used 250SP with original paint and Magtek magnesium wheels - where else are you going to find one?

I can get great shipping rates (anywhere in California for $300 as an example) so don't let the cost of shipping keep you from owning this collectible Japanese two-stroke streetbike. This motorcycle is not a grey market import, it has been imported through proper legal channels and is already titled in the USA and ready to be transferred into your name just like any other vehicle purchase. You will not need my US Customs documents and EPA documents to transfer title but I will include them in the sale of this bike so you have documentation your NSR SP was legally imported.

Standard caveats apply: be sure to check your local laws regarding registration if you plan to run this on the road. But now that bikes like this are at or past the 25 year mark, it's becoming much easier to import and register them. And even if you can't run this on the street, a careful restoration would make this a very cool display piece!

In celebration of Freddie Spencer's 1983 500cc championship (or was it the competing Suzuki RG50o and Yamaha RD500 ?), Honda developed a race inspired 400cc two-stroke triple. The rare 90-degree ( center cylinder up, outside cylinders ahead ) was little wider than an upright twin, putting out a smooth but peaky 72 hp. The '85-87 models were never imported to the U.S., federalized one at a time or relegated to the track.

Quick handling thanks to a short wheelbase and double cradle aluminum frame, all six speeds are required to keep the engine in the 7,000-10,000 powerband, but deliver 130 mph in top. Dual front and single rear discs bring the modular wheels back to the speed limit. Front suspension is air-assisted with anti-dive, and rear shock has a remote reservoir.

The Carbs have been cleaned and balanced. It has fresh Non-Ethanol Premium Gas in it and it starts & runs perfectly.

The bike now starts on the 1st or 2nd kick when cold. Note in the You-Tube video that the bike is started cold with the choke on - after about 30-40 seconds the choke is able to be turned off and the bike idles idles at 1,200-1,300 RPMs.

After 8,385 miles, this example is most of the way through re-awakening from a long rest, new battery and carbs cleaned, still waiting on rebuild kits for the fuel tank petcock and rear brake master cylinder. 16-inch front and 17-inch rear tires will also be required. A few different liveries were available, this in the red, white, and deep metallic blue with Rothmans stickers, was replaced before the bike was parked and appears to be in excellent shape.

If you're a fan of two-stroke GP replicas, then this little Honda NSR250SP needs no introduction. Interestingly, it looks like there are two different bikes in the photos, but a quick read of the listing indicates that he's got two complete sets of plastics, one Repsol and one Rothmans, although the headlight configuration is obviously different for the two. Which is sort of cool: bored some rainy weekend when you'd rather be out riding? Grab some tools and swap your bodywork!

The NSR250R was powered by a 249cc, liquid-cooled two-stroke 90° v-twin that featured Honda's ATAC torque-boosting system to plump up the characteristically thin two-stroke midrange. The cassette-type six-speed gearbox is a nice feature, but probably not much use for anyone outside of a race team: designed for faster gearing changes trackside, it provides a nice talking point for the rest of us.

This is a very rare chance to own a piece of motorcycle history. I am selling my NSR250SPThis is a no doubt head turner. This list of options on this bike is endless.

The bike is registered on a MC21 frame with a valid NEW YORK STATE title with its 11 digit VIN number.The motor is a MC28 dry clutch, with a fresh top end (Cyl, Pist rings Heads)and clutch Tyga performance exhaust.The ignition system is MC28 credit card style, modified to work with standard or HRC card.I have two complete sets of plastic and gas tanks: one Rothmans set and one Repsol set.MC28 single sided wing armThe bike has Tyga rear sets.Custom Alloy triple treeCustom Alloy fork braceMag Tek wheelsFresh Metzler TiresJHA Carbon gauge coverOil injection block offCarbon fiber reedsHRC jet kitCarbon rear tire huggerTyge sub frameTyga battery boxFresh BrakesIt will need a new battery

Although it's titled for road use in New York, with all the spare parts, this might make an excellent road and track machine, although you wouldn't want to risk that Rothman's bodywork. Or probably the Repsol! Fortunately, it looks like it comes with spare plastics as well...

Obviously, this thing's a bit of a mongrel, although it looks like it combines the best of several generations of NSR250's, so that's not necessarily a bad thing, unless you're a purist. Any experts want to weigh in on the choices the seller made in building this little monster?

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